The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, says that the recently trained officers of the Special Weapon and Tactical Team (SWAT) are set for deployed to commence routine work. The IG revealed that with the spate of insecurity in the country, he has already ordered the deployment of the SWAT officers to swing into action for routine patrols and other sundry crimes. Mr Adamu directive was addressed to the 17 Assistant Inspector Generals of police in the police and all Commissioners of police across the country.
The statement addressed with reference number CH:5350/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.20/340 was tagged “Deployment of Newly Formed Special Weapon and Tactical Team operatives,” The statement partly reads: “The Inspector General of Police directs that all recently selected and trained Special Weapon and Tactical Team (SWAT) operatives are to be deployed for routine duties across areas of responsibility immediately.”
Accordingly, the SWAT was born as a result of the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS when the Nigerian youth staged a protest demanding the end to police brutality last two month. Three days after the youth staged the protest, President Muhammad Buhari ordered the immediate disbandment of the police unit.
The disbanded SARS was accused of extortion and brutality against some innocent Nigerians in the country.